Thread: Closed cell foam for fish mounting

I'm keen to have a go at mounting a Trout. Problem is the finding of a suitable foam to use for the skin to go back onto. I.e something that is easily shaped and lightweight but durable enough to work with and locally sourced.

Have had a pretty good look online and there doesn't seem to be much option for supply of small quantity/sizes. Would prefer to avoid the expense and hassle of ordering from overseas.

Anybody have experience or info on likely sources?

Cheers.

try the local roofing material guys....they buy closed cell foam by the truck load to wrap guttering in to ship it out...Ive seen chunks of it about the size you want amoung it and also on side of road where its blown off trucks...its got loads of uses and a double sheet of it that it outside of the roll so slick is awesome fun on a snow covered hill...

No experience but interested, I have a mate who shapes surf boards not sure of the exact make up of the foam they use but can ask, sure to have off cuts ,obviously it's shape able

What about using something like a tree protector sleeve (from rabbits) and fill it with building expanding foam?

Upholstry places should have close cell foam (neoprene kinda stuff) easily shape able with a sander..boat builders may also have the same stuff. Pool floatie boards maybe aswell? Bunnings stock extruded polystyrene for Insulation, it's closed cell and pretty sturdy.
Gives you a few options.

Interestingly enough I know both an upholsterer and a surf/sail board builder.

Thanks guys I wouldn't have thought of either.

skelerup ultralon

If you've had no luck you could try Domestic home insulation and commercial insulation, using polyurethane and foam spray
Disclosure I do have links to this company

Keep us posted on your mission.

Will do. Once I find a suitable material for the form I will need to get a reasonable fish to mount. Living in Turangi helps.
Don't want to try it on a PB fish as I only catch enough for a feed when we feel like some. Just a decent representative for the wall.

And a learning experience.

We sell closed cell Pu foam to a number of taxidermists it isn't cheap but we occasionally have off-cuts.